Strategy

CGT Executive Editor Kara Romanow gives you a sneak peek into the trends and topics discussed in this month's issue.

Following a limited distribution in the northeast, Sparkling Fruit2O has seen a positive response both from consumers and retailers.

IDC reveals its top 10 predictions that will impact global technology spending and the use of information technology in the manufacturing and retail industries. Covering 3D value chains and servitization optimization to big data and immersive commerce, these predictions will help both sides of the supply chain grasp emerging market opportunities and plan for future growth.

We have heard the argument by some consumer goods manufacturers that direct-to-consumer e-commerce will upset their retailer. This is changing. The Apparel & Footwear sector moved beyond this argument, and other sectors are soon to change the dynamic as well. Whether they open their own stores, follow China's model of a store-within-a-store, sell via Amazon or direct-to-consumer via web sites, change is upon us.

Booz & Company recently conducted the bi-annual refresh of its Customer Planning and Trade Spend study, revealing that a majority of consumer goods companies believe they spend too many resources on trade promotion management and are unhappy with the quality of the tools/systems available to manage investments. Executives from Kimberly-Clark, Kraft Foods and McCormick & Company discuss the pain points, best practices and tips for better efficiency in customer planning and trade spend.

The new web site is designed to provide visitors with quick and easy access to tools and information about Snyder's-Lance.

The divestitures of Juicy Couture and Lucky Brand Jeans result in estimated net proceeds of $370 to $380 million.

WhiteWave plans to operate Earthbound Farm as a separate business unit, based in San Juan Bautista, California.